The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has confirmed that Marcus Boyle will be stepping down from his role as Chair of the regulatory authority on 31 January 2025.
Boyle will conclude his term as Chair in January, marking the end of his three-year leadership that guided the Gambling Commission’s governance and oversight of regulatory changes in the UK gambling sector.
In August 2021, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) appointed Boyle as Chair of the Gambling Commission, following the tenure of former Chair Bill Moyes, who resigned amid regulatory shortcomings highlighted by the Football Index investigation.
A notable figure in British arts, drama, and cultural heritage, Boyle assumed the Chair position as the Commission embarked on significant initiatives, such as overseeing the competition and launch of the fourth National Lottery licence, and beginning the Gambling Act Review and its White Paper.
In April 2024, the Commission released a detailed three-year strategy, outlining targeted advancements through 2027, prioritizing transparency and data utilization. With this strategy now active, Marcus is leaving the Commission in a robust state with a clear trajectory.
During his tenure, Boyle strongly backed CEO Andrew Rhodes in adopting a stringent approach to “enhance compliance in a “new era of accountability” for British gambling, leading the UKGC to levy unprecedented fines and penalties on UK-licensed operators.
Boyle’s tenure concludes as the UKGC and DCMS resolve key issues regarding RET Levy funding allocations and the introduction of £5 and £2 stake limits on online slots to better protect against high-risk gambling behavior.
The Board of Commissioners and colleagues at the Gambling Commission have expressed appreciation for Marcus’s leadership, commitment, and contributions over the past three years, wishing him continued success in the future.
The Minister for Gambling, Baroness Twycross, remarked: “The past three years have been pivotal for the Commission, as it implements measures from the Gambling Act Review and initiates the fourth National Lottery licence process.
“I am thankful for Marcus’s dedication and service to the Gambling Commission during his time here, and I extend my best wishes for his future endeavors.”
